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See the Best of the Best in Texas – Professional Sports Teams

July 23, 2011 By
San Antonio Spurs logo

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One of the biggest thrills about visiting the great state of Texas is chance to see dozens of professional sports teams. Professional sports teams are the top of the line and the best of the best when it comes to a particular sport.

When visiting Texas you have the chance to see professional soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball and football teams. Here’s a look at what teams are playing in Texas and where you can see them play.

Professional Soccer

Soccer is making a comeback in the United States and Texas offers you the chance to see two of the best professional soccer teams. The Houston Dynamos and the FC Dallas, both divisions of Major League Soccer play out of the state of Texas.

Professional Baseball

When visiting Texas you have two chances to see a Major League Baseball team in action. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros are based out of the state of Texas.

Professional Basketball

For basketball fans Texas offers you the chance to see three great teams, one of which is a multi-championship winner. The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs have the home court advantage in various parts of Texas. The San Antonio Spurs are perhaps one of the most popular NBA teams in the history of basketball.

Professional Hockey

Hockey is often thought of as Canada’s favorite past time but the city of Dallas has its own National Hockey League team. The Dallas Stars play right in the heart of Dallas.

When visiting Texas, don’t miss out on seeing some of the best of the best in their chosen sport play.

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Cultural Events in Houston Texas

July 2, 2011 By

Texas has many great arts and culture venues for locals and visitors to experience. Whether you want to take in an opera, Broadway musical or ballet, you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy in Texas.

If you’re looking to enjoy the cultural side of Houston, Texas, here’s a look at some of the things you can experience and see.

The Houston Grand Opera

The Houston Grand Opera is based out of the city of Houston. It is known for its elaborate opera productions. Founded in 1955, the Houston Grand Opera is also famous for putting on many world and American premier opera shows.

The Houston Ballet

Texas is the home to one of the largest ballet companies in the United States. The Houston Ballet company is based out of the Wortham Theatre Center. It is the fourth largest ballet company and is known for putting on over 80 productions and performances every year. Occasionally the Houston Ballet will provide the dance and choreography segments for the Houston Grand Opera.

The Houston Symphony Orchestra

If you’re looking to enjoy classical, jazz or movie soundtracks than the Houston Symphony Orchestra will have a performance for you. Located in the heart of Houston and performing in the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, the Houston Symphony Orchestra puts on a half dozen productions for the public.

If you’re looking for a cultural event to enjoy while on vacation to Texas, then there is plenty to experience in this wonderful state. Everything from ballet, opera, music and Broadway musicals are available right at your fingertips.

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Texas History, Family Fun

May 19, 2011 By
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Image by Visualist Images via Flickr

It is an assumption of wild acres: the endless sprawls of a frontier, the sweeps of lonely hills and rivers. The notion of Texas is often larger than the state itself (which is no easy feat, with the boundaries swelling over 268,820 square miles). It is a world of its own, conjuring images of American cowboys and their lonely treks, the romantic quests for freedom. Such thoughts, perhaps, lean toward the cliches, but their power still remains.

And no attraction captures the wonder of them more than the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum.

Future residents (after obtaining a moving company quote) are urged to find this unique institution. Established in 1999 which makes it one of the newest buildings of its kind within Texas the Bob Bullock Museum seeks to explore the origins of both the country and the state. Guests first arriving to the building are met by a 35 foot Lone Star: which symbolizes the philosophy of less is never more and more is always better. Those entering the structure will have three stories to explore, each filled with one of kind artifacts and archival information.

Individuals can now walk among the past. Encounters on the Land (which dominates the first floor) chronicles Native American tribes and European settlers.Building the Lone Star Identity (which is contained within the second floor) details the many battles and border skirmishes that shaped the territory. And Creating Opportunity enables guests to see how the notion of ranchers is truly limiting, offering validation for science, medicine and more.

The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum is a cannot-miss attraction.

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Ways to Make Use of your House During SXSW

March 5, 2011 By

If you’re not a fan of music and film and the SXSW Conference and Festival is headed to your town, you may wish to get away for the week. This can be a great time to take a week-long adventure out of town to avoid the crowds and traffic that are headed your way. There’s also one other advantage of leaving town during the SXSW Festival: the opportunity to earn some money. With hotels booking up fast as people make their reservations for the week, you can offer your home as a vacation rental for the week.

List Your Home

Offering your home as a rental is not as difficult as you may think. When you sign up with HomeAway, you can list your house as a vacation rental in three easy steps. To register, all you need is your name, email address, phone number, and location. The rates for booking your rental are reasonable and risk-free, but there are some things you’ll want to take into consideration before you determine that renting your home is right for you.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

First, make sure your home insurance policy is up-to-date and includes coverage for anything unexpected that may happen while the renters are in possession of your home. You should also check with your company to see what kind of coverage you’ll need to protect yourself from anything that may happen while the renters are in your home, especially injuries or damages to the renters or your home

Review Your Association’s Rules

Check with your homeowner’s association to make sure you’re allowed to rent your property. Some associations may simply not allow it. If they do, find out what the proper procedure is and follow it to the letter.

Prepare Your Home

Once you’ve decided to rent your home, look around to decide what furniture and other items you’re comfortable leaving for the renters. If you have expensive, antique, or family heirloom pieces, consider putting them in storage while the renters are in your home. Then, give your home a thorough cleaning.

Before the renters arrive, have your home inspected.  Ensure all appliances are in good working order, no leaks are present, the air conditioner is working perfectly, and no pests or infestations are present. You would never want to find out that a renter tried to take care of any of these problems himself while you were away.

Let Everyone Know the Situation

Make sure friends, family, and neighbors know that your home will be occupied by renters. You don’t want any unexpected visitors calling the authorities about a break-in with good intentions and scaring away your renters. If you have a security patrol in your neighborhood, let them know to expect the renters to be at your home, too.

By following these tips, your rental experience should be a good one. You may even decide you want to continue to list your home as a rental whenever you decide to take a trip of your own. It could turn into your favorite way to finance those little getaways you’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t afford.

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The Rich History of Austin Texas

December 22, 2010 By

Before Austin, Texas became the metropolis it is today, it was a wilderness area home to the Comanches, Tonkawas, and Lipian Apaches. During the 1700s, The Spanish arrived and established mission areas, which became the first permanent settlement of Waterloo in the 1830s. Waterloo became a populated, growing town and was eventually chosen to be the Capital of Texas. To honor a prominent and active member of the community, the new Capital of the New Republic of Texas was renamed Austin, after Stephen F. Austin.

The city of Austin grew, and the construction boom of the 1850s brought the first permanent Capital building and a Governor’s Mansion. The railroad arrived in the 1870s and the town continued to prosper and Austin’s population grew. In 1888, a new Capital building was built and this building still stands as the largest and tallest Capital building in the United States.

The population of Austin is a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities. Beginning in the late 1800s, with the immigrant settlers from Mexico, Africa, Sweden, and Germany the city became a hub of new development and enterprise. Construction continued to boom, and the city continued to grow its population and real estate. Of the buildings established during this time period, the Driskill Hotel continues to be a cherished Austin landmark.

Always a hotbed of technological advancement, environmental activism, education reform, and political activity, Austin began to establish itself as the center of an art and music renaissance. Brought to the forefront in the 1970s by artists like Willie Nelson, the city of Austin began to embrace a new identity; Live Music capital of the United States. Cultural life within the city beats and blooms, as nightclubs, museums, and galleries showcase the best of Austin’s local artists and musicians. At any time of the day or night, residents and visitors will find venues showcasing Austin’s rich history and culture.

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The History and Art of Boerne, Texas

December 20, 2010 By

The city of Boerne is where you find the charm and comfort of small town life and discover the hidden treasures of outstanding art produced by the local artists of Boerne Texas.

Founded in the 1800s, the city is named after Ludwig Boerne, who inspired several of his German countrymen to leave their homeland for the New World. Settling in Texas, this group of German men and women grew the original settlement into a thriving town, with a post office, stage coach routes, saloon, and saw mill. Eventually a private school was established, providing educational opportunities to residents of the growing town.

Interestingly, the city of Boerne did not allow any churches to be built within the city limits until the late 1800s. Because the original settlers were free thinkers, religion was not practiced or allowed within the city limits.

Situated within the beautiful Texas Hills Countryside, the town grew with settlers looking to find the peace and prosperity of small town living. At one time, Boerne even became known for its recuperative powers, and individuals suffering from various illnesses flooded the city hoping to find relief and new health. Still today, the city has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on its visitors.

After World War II, the city experienced an exodus of inhabitants, with many seeking opportunities in the larger cities of Texas. For those who remained, Boerne became a peaceful haven of art and agriculture.

Today, the city is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. On a quiet afternoon, you can browse the offerings of Boerne’s local, professional artists at the Carriage House Gallery, or purchase antiques and snack on Fickle Pickles at Carousel Antiques and Pickles. Afterwards, visit the Kerrville Performing Arts Society, and enjoy one of the year round performances performed for the visitors and citizens of the Texas Hills area.

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Comfortable Living in Comfort, Texas

December 19, 2010 By

Comfort Texas is the place to go for quality antiques and crafts. Located in the Texas Hills, Comfort offers visitors an opportunity to shop through a dozen antiques shops and flea markets. With each establishment offering a variety of goods – furniture, clothing, knick knacks, and art work – you are sure to find something to fit your taste and your budget.

Built in the 1800s, The Comfort Common recently earned accolades from top travel magazines for its luxurious bed and breakfast inn. Adding to Comfort’s antiquing community, The Comfort Common also has a variety of antique and collectible stores, where you can find furniture, art, or vintage clothing.

After a long day of finding amazing items and great bargains, you can relax in one of Comfort’s comfortable restaurants. Every member of your family will find something satisfying to eat at The Cypress Creek Inn and Restaurant, which offers Texas home-style cooking.

After exploring the shopping and eating establishments of Comfort Texas, step out and experience the entertainment offered by local businesses. Visitors will find an amazing selection of entertainment options: The gymnastics centre offers classes, parent’s night, and birthday parties. The Buckhorn Golf Course is an eighteen hole championship course that is open to the public. The Deer in the Headlights Theater is a production company featuring amateur performers. Producing monthly shows, the company offers a variety of shows suitable for every member of your family.

In the late spring and summer months, Comfort holds a farmers market where visitors can taste local produce, and purchase flowers, baked goods, fresh honey, and craft items from local artisans. And for the more adventurous, Flat Rock offers the competitive and athletic visitor a mountain biker’s heaven. Closed during hunting season and open at the beginning of the year, Flat rock Ranch offers extensive bike trails, hiking trails, and primitive camping sites for people who like to rough it in the great outdoors.

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The Historical Beginnings of El Paso, Texas

December 17, 2010 By

El Paso Texas is a region rich in culture, history, and customs. A fusion of Native American, Mexican, American Cowboy, and Spanish influences El Paso offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the living history that is El Paso.

The El Paso region was name by Spanish explorers in 1581 as they traveled through the Rio Grande River. The famous Spanish Missions of the region were first established in 1659 by Fray Garcia de San Francisco. The Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission founded by Fray Garcia de San Francisco still stands in the downtown area of Ciudad Juarez (El Paso del Norte), which lies just beyond the Rio Grande, across from El Paso. In 1848, after the Mexican War, El Paso was entered into the Union, and in 1873 came the incorporation of the City of El Paso Texas.

The City of El Paso was a hotbed of activity throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Southern Pacific Railroad provided El Paso with jobs and commerce, and the city prospered amidst the chaos of the Wild Wild West and the great gunfighters of the era, such as Billy the Kid, Patt Garrett and Wyatt Earp. With the Mexican Revolution in 1911, El Paso absorbed thousands of Mexicans who remained in the city after the war was over. This influx of peoples greatly influenced the cultural landscape of El Paso.

Today, El Paso is a thriving metropolis of commerce, manufacturing, culinary arts, performing arts, and film. Visitors to El Paso Texas will find activities and events to appease any personality and fit any budget. From Broadway shows to local art exhibits, the City of El Paso brings visitors into a world of rustic beauty, historical wonder, and contemporary advancements that make El Paso a unique vacation destination for individual travelers and family groups.

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Living History at The Alamo

December 11, 2010 By

For a sightseeing adventure, The Alamo is the perfect spot to learn about Texas history, view artifacts of American history, and witness a piece of American history. Over two million people visit the Alamo each year, to view 300 years of Texas history.

Located just off the San Antonio Riverwalk, the Alamo is a 4.2 acre complex situated in the downtown area of San Antonio. Since 1905, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas have maintained and managed the complex, which houses the remnants of the old mission used by David Crockett and Jim Bowie in the famous 1836 battle of the Alamo.

Free and open to the public, the Alamo covers over four acres of land. Of this property, the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum, Gift Museum, and the Alamo Gardens are the most popular and frequently visited. Each of the buildings displays exhibits and artifacts from the Texas Revolution. History lovers will be thrilled to find a Bowie knife from the 1800s, a flintlock rifle used in the battle of the Alamo, and a vest made of buckskin and worn by David Crockett. In addition to these artifacts, a beautiful arrangement of State flags represents the home state of each Alamo defender.

As part of its educational endeavors, the Alamo provides living history events for visitors, as well as history talks which are held every half hour and hour on the patio. These talks are provided free of charge. Although these talks may be arranged for students and educator groups, all are welcome to listen. There are hundreds of visitors each day, and due to the overwhelming amount of visitors the Alamo receives, guided tours are not available. However, for large groups Alamo volunteers will arrange for a history talk or a self guided tour of the area. Alamo docents are available to answer questions and provide visitors with directions.

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The University of Texas at Austin

December 3, 2010 By
The main building of the University of Texas a...
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With over seventeen colleges and schools, The University of Texas at Austin is a diverse community of academics seeking to improve the world through the arts, sciences, and humanities. For over a century, the UT campus has dedicated itself to providing opportunities for all individuals, and prides itself on programs such as Women in Engineering, the Recruiting and Retaining Men in Nursing, and Women in Natural Sciences. Always looking to bridge the gaps related to ethnicity and gender, UT is an educational leader in awarding undergraduate degrees to minority students in the United States.

The University of Texas at Austin understands the importance of international travel and study. Believing that all students should have the opportunity to study in Texas, the University actively accepts international students seeking educational, research, and teaching opportunities at UT. Alongside Harvard University, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California UT is rated among the top ten Universities enrolling international students. With over 5,700 students from over 100 countries, the UT campus is growing a rich and diverse student population.

In an effort to work with global communities, the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering developed the Projects for Under-served Communities initiative. Recruiting its own engineering students, the program focuses on providing students with real world projects and experience, while contributing to the development of rural communities in Ghana, Angola, and Peru. This project based learning system operates as part of the school’s curriculum, with students enrolling in classes to plan, budget, schedule, design, and implement projects that will improve the chosen community and the world. The PUC’s pilot program established new water distribution system in Ghana, and the Peruvian residents of Santa Cruz benefited from a water conservation system.

At the University of Texas at Austin, the academic community is working towards building a better world through education, philanthropy, and diversity.

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